Our Proposals
The proposed development would provide approximately 49x 1 and 2 bedroom apartments for retirement living alongside communal amenities and outdoor space. Churchill Living proposes a residential development that is purpose built to meet the needs of over 55s, contributing to the local need for this type of housing, whilst also regenerating a long-term vacant brownfield site
All developments by Churchill Living include an internal Owner's Lounge and coffee bar as well as high quality external amenity space designed for passive exercise and the visual enjoyment of residents over 60 years of age, rather than active recreational uses. Planting is considered for longevity, colour all year, seasonal change, maintenance and local native biodiversity.
The proposals include the relocation of the existing play area, which is coming to the end of its life, to provide a brand-new play park with new modern and inclusive equipment, as well as a new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) which is perfect for older children to play. These great new facilities will be provided on the recreation space to the rear of Kingswood Community Centre and will significantly improve the quality of local play provision for children of all ages.
The proposed building is four storeys. The ground floor would be predominantly brown brick and the upper three storeys built in buff brick with feature window surrounds and cills in complementing brown brick. Lower floors will benefit from a number of balconies and a very slight pitch to the roof enables the building to sit sensitively in the local surroundings.
The proposed development would be constructed to modern standards, ensuring each apartment is as energy efficient as possible. State of the art technology will ensure low internal water consumption and photovoltaic solar panels on the roof will deliver a 10% saving in CO2 emissions.
Proposed Site Plan
Need for retirement living
In Dudley, between 2011 and 2012, there has been an increase of 19% in people aged 70-74. With a most notable increase in people aged 85 to 89 with a 24% increase. The 2021 Census Data further shows that there are 66,060 people aged 65+ in the borough (20% of the total population), of which 18,425 are aged 80+ (5.7% of the total population).
Furthermore, the ONS Population Projections (2018) advises that the population aged 65+ will increase to 82,198 by 2043 (23% of the total population) with people aged 80+ increasing to 26,833 (7.65 of the total population) over the same period.
The Black Country Housing Market Assessment (2021) identifies the population aged 65 or over is going to increase dramatically in the Black Country, increasing from 210,650 in 2020 to 270,966 in 2039, equating to a rise of 28.6% (some 60,315 people). This increase in population also suggests there will be an increase in the number of households headed by someone over 65 from 137,856 in 2020 to 181,993 in 2039, resulting in a 32% increase.
The HMA goes on to identify that according to modelled data, there are currently 5,122 units of sheltered housing for older people in the Black Country. 73.8% of these sheltered housing units fall within the affordable housing sector, despite the overwhelming proportion of older persons only households to be owner-occupiers. To meet local demand rates in 2039, there is an estimated requirement for 4,907 additional sheltered housing units, with almost two-thirds being proposed as market accommodation, for older people in the Black Country over the plan period. The estimated requirement of 4,907 units has been split, with the need for 3,126 units of market-sheltered housing.
Parking
The proposal includes approximately 49 retirement apartments and 17 unallocated parking spaces in addition to parking for 6 electric mobility buggies.
The typical age profile of those currently living at a Churchill Retirement community is an 80-year old widow. Generally, 50% of residents also come from within a 5-mile radius of the location.
Given the above, residents of Churchill communities tend to not have cars. It is also generally found that those who do initially have cars tend to give them up soon after moving into a lodge as they no longer need it given the sustainable location and neighbourly living environment.
Benefits
Supporting local businesses – The site is well-located to shops and essential services in Kingswinford, reducing the need to travel by car and delivering a significant uplift in local expenditure at local shops and businesses.
Regeneration of an important site – The proposals would bring this long-term vacant site into positive and beneficial use and make a significant contribution locally in terms of social, economic and environmental benefits.
Meeting the needs of older people – By moving to a Churchill Living Community of like-minded people, isolation and loneliness are significantly reduced as are anxieties related to the maintenance of the home and safety and security experienced by many older people, enabling our residents to enjoy greatly improved health and general wellbeing.
Reducing demands on health and social services – Retirement communities reduce the risk of health challenges by helping to reduce social isolation and loneliness for elderly people as well as improving safety and security.
Freeing up homes – Research has shown that providing homes at the top of the housing ladder, which better meet the needs and aspirations of older people, helps release many larger, second-hand properties back onto the market for local families to move into. In turn smaller homes are also released which are suitable for first-time buyers.
You can download a copy of the exhibition boards using the button below:
Images showing proposed site elevations
Indicative sketches of proposed development looking from High Street
Indicative sketch of proposed development looking from Kingswinford Community Centre
Indicative sketch of proposed development looking from the rear of the site
Indicative sketch of proposed development looking from Kingswinford Health Centre
